In search of a better quality of life, fulfilling our dreams to see the world and provide ourselves and young children with invaluable experiences, we sold our home and possessions in London to begin our journey of a lifetime.
Here we will share our tips, stories, successes and failures, not only for our families and friends, but also to assist those who may have similar adventures in mind. We hope also to inspire those who relish the idea of travelling to newer and unfamiliar pastures but do not know how and those who require some evidence it can be done.

19 October 2010

Tobago: 10 Things You May Not Know

We were only on the island of Tobago four nights, not long enough to see it for all its beauty and history.

I admit to not knowing a great deal about the island except that it was linked with neighbouring Trinidad and that footballer Dwight Yorke and boxer Claude Noel came from there (the former has a stadium named after him and the latter a major highway).

Here are 10 more facts you may not know about Tobago.

1. Since the 1500s it has changed hands 31 times with Britain, France and Holland all at some stage claiming power.

2. It was the slave trade, from 1763 until 1807, which accounted for the largely West African (in origin) population.

3. The island is 22 miles long and only eight miles wide, but has more than 110 species of birds (we had several hummingbirds on our porch).

4. It has many fantastic beaches. While we didn’t visit them all, we particularly liked Englishman’s Bay – practically deserted, but stunning and with perfect water temperatures. You can understand why Tobago was the setting for Daniel Defoe’s Robinson Crusoe.

5. Goat racing is a sport here and has been in the village of Buccoo since 1925. Each goat has a man who runs alongside them, to make them run faster. I am assured the participating goats are particularly well treated, even though this is something of a favourite meal on the island.

6. The capital, known as Scarborough, has a population of around 25,000.

7. A flight to Trinidad (around 21 miles) takes around 20 minutes.

8. A breakfast favourite is known as ‘doubles’ and is a saffron-coloured soft bread which is served with a type of curried chickpeas and often comes with hot sauce (optional). Delicious!

9. Just south of the island is the largest recorded brain corral in the world – hence the reason many visitors come for diving.

10. The speed limit is 30mph throughout the island – but no-one sticks to it.